Arsenal icon gives verdict on Martin Odegaard injury with star set to face spell on sidelines

Boss Mikel Arteta’s area of focus has clearly been the defensive structure, a move that has been paying off in particular this year.

Currently, Arsenal have conceded just three league goals; no other club has fewer than six goals against.

Defence has been key in the Gunners’ attacking output, too: their threatening full-backs Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori provide width, while their central defenders add lethal aerial prowess from corners.

Speaking to NetBet Sports Betting, Parlour discussed Arsenal’s supreme form at the beginning of the season: “Defensively, the team are performing better than ever, the back four are really showing great strength both defensively and also offensively.

“We know Gabriel is excellent from corners, but defensively, he has been a rock. [William] Saliba has been excellent, but maybe more impressive has been Calafiori and Timber.

“Both have goal contributions this season and are playing very well to keep [Ben] White and [Myles] Lewis-Skelly out of the side. Such a long way to go, but so far you have to be happy.”

One concerning area is the team’s open play attacking output. While they have scored 15 goals in the Premier League so far, the third most behind Chelsea and Man City, 66 per cent of those have come from a set piece or a penalty.

One man who could help with creating goals from open play is skipper Odegaard. The Norwegian has struggled for fitness this season, seeing himself substituted with a first-half injury in three consecutive games - a new Premier League record.

Injuries have marred his campaign so far. Most recently, during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory against West Ham, the 26-year-old revealed it was “knee-to-knee” contact that caused his withdrawal.

“When the adrenaline stopped flowing and it settled down a bit, then it was quite sore,” he admitted in his recent captain’s notes. “It's tricky to set a return date with this type of injury.”

The former Real Madrid star had been struggling with a shoulder problem prior to his knee issue.

The continued injury disruption means Odegaard has struggled to get into his groove this season, which will have undoubtedly affected Arsenal’s creativity on the pitch.

Parlour remained sympathetic with Odegaard, saying: “It’s a very unfortunate injury for the captain. He will be gutted to be missing out, especially with the team doing well, winning games and progressing well in all competitions.

When asked if £60million signing Eberechi Eze could affect Odegaard’s place in the team, Parlour was emphatic: “Absolutely not. Odegaard is the captain, and once fit and back, he will be straight in the side.

“Eze can play in that role, as can [Mikel] Merino, but Odegaard leads the press well. He changed the game against Newcastle, and this was so important for Arsenal to win that game.

"Odegaard is so important for this team, he was missed against Fulham. You could see Arsenal missed his energy and drive, so, yes, he comes straight back in.”

While creativity may be a minor issue at the Emirates Stadium, new star striker Viktor Gyokeres has endured a mixed start to life in north London. The Swede is currently without a Premier League goal in four games, although he did net a brace in last night’s Champions League victory.

Parlour believes the striker is still learning, but is certain “many more” goals are set to follow: “He is learning a lot each game. Arsenal are winning, and he is doing a good job as the number 9 while Havertz is injured.

“He has a few goals, he will get many more. Thierry [Henry] and Dennis [Bergkamp] took a while to get going, and Gyokores has already scored a few goals, and Arsenal are top of the league, and he is doing a good job for the team.

“So, it’s always tough coming from a different league, and I am sure he will improve each game. Arteta has full trust in him, so this is really important, so he will have confidence to repay this.”